Resolve Your Dog's Behavior Problems -
Easy or Not?
In the land of dogs there are many occasions when our dogs exhibit a behavior that we do not particularly like. The behavior is often aversive to us and we want to escape or avoid it. The best way to resolve these problems is to teach the dog an alternative or incompatible behavior so within the context of the problem behavior the dog will exhibit a more pleasing behavior, something we seek or enjoy. Let’s have a look at some of these common problem behaviors and alternative or incompatible behaviors we can teach our dogs to resolve the problem.
a) Rushing to the door to meet guests or barking like crazy when somebody rings the door bell. The alternative behavior you can teach your dog is a 'sit-stay', a quiet behavior, 'go to your bed', 'grab your toy' or 'get your ball'.
b)
Jumping up at guests. Instead, teach your dog a sit/stay behavior. They cannot sit/stay and jump at the same time so when guests arrive they will politely 'sit-stay'.
c)
Begging at the table. Teach your dog a “place- stay” behavior so they go to their place and stay while you finish your meal.
d)
Digging holes in the yard. The alternative is to teach your dog to dig in a specified place, a spot they can call their own.
e)
House Soiling. Teach your dog to ring a bell at the door so they can inform you when they want to go out. Most dogs will choose to go outside if they can communicate to you what they need.
f)
Pulling on a Leash. Rather than teaching your dog to not pull, simply teach your dog to walk by your side. They cannot pull if they walk by your side
g)
Barking. Teach your dog a “quiet” command. They cannot bark if they are quiet are obeying your "quiet" command.
It is far more constructive to teach your dog new behaviors to combat problem behaviors and increase their behavior repertoire than to punish them for unwanted behaviors. Punishing your dog reduces their behavior repertoire, negatively impacts your relationship with them and increases the risk of punishment fall out - behaviors such as fear or aggression. Training methods are far more effective now than they were ten years ago and they are fun, easy for children to learn and have long lasting effects. Why put up with problem behavior when for a small investment you can enhance your life, your dog's life and the relationship you share?
The DogSmith offers all kinds of training options. If you have a particular problem and do not necessarily want to teach your dog a bunch of obedience commands then schedule a couple of private lessons with your local DogSmith® and fix the problems you have. At The DogSmith, we believe that problem behaviors are defined by the dog’s owner. Your local DogSmith will even conduct training in your home with your dog while you are at work. We address the problem behavior in the context where it occurs. Once the alternate, preferred behavior is learned we will then show you how to manage it.
DogSmith Training Options | 
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